another tip I use to do is of course use plenty of fat to fry them in (I use part butter and part olive oil) I also place a heavy plate on top of them to weigh them down into the pan and LEAVE THEM ALONE for a good 5 minutes to create a nice crust....then flip and do the same to the other side adding a little more fat if needed. This will also give you a pretty presentation because it gives you a nice perfect circle....of course you can always break them up if you want.

That sounds like swiss rosti I love them and they are easy to make.

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"It's so beautifully arranged on the plate - you know someone's fingers have been all over it." - Julia Child